Aloe Vera

Who would expect to find aloe vera as one of the main ingredients of natural skin products today? This succulent plant hardly gets any praises for beauty, although other households may domesticate aloe vera, the plant hardly looks interesting at all. Don't let its appearance deceive you, aloe vera has many beneficial effects in our body than you ever imagined.

Aloe vera grows mostly in the dry regions of Asia, Africa, America, and Europe. Among the 240 or more species of the plant, only four are found to contain high amounts of nutrients stored in its gel. The aloe vera leaf is slit open to scrape the gel from the hard-membrane rind. What scientific studies found in the gel were astounding. The plant contains over 200 active compounds and 75 nutrients, including 20 minerals, 18 amino acids, and 12 vitamins.

Scientists and researchers find that the term "aloe vera" is too general to refer only to a few species, and thus decided to use aloe barbadensis miller and aloe arboresens – the main species used in most aloe vera based skin care products. When using skin care products from aloe vera, make sure the product contains only the inner gel and none of the hard rind. In its natural form, the gel is a good emollient and has anti-inflammatory properties. It is also used in most dermatologic preparations.

Several studies have supported the anti-inflammatory properties of A. barbadensis, some of which have been published in the International Aloe Science Council, along with other studies. The IASC is a prestigious international council that provides certifications to companies offering aloe vera based products and encourages customers to buy only IASC certified products for two reasons: (1) many aloe vera products contain only tiny amounts of the gel that renders its benefits ineffective and; (2) IASC certifies products only if they contain at least 15 percent of A, barbadensis gel.

Aloe Vera Skin Care Benefits

While we cannot discount the aloe vera skincare benefits from some commercial natural aloe vera skin products, applying the fresh gel is a more effective natural skin care treatment. This is because it gradually losses its nutrients with time. It is, hereby, advised that A. barbadensis be grown domestically, without pesticides, to ensure freshness and availability in case of emergency uses such as when treating burns, wounds, insect bites, etc.

Traditionally, the gel is an effective remedy against psoriasis, acne, eczema, and insect bites. The active part of the plant – the gel – contains anti-microbial properties that act as a natural and organic topical remedy against many skin disorders.

A. barbadensis skin care products come in cream, gel, astringent, sprays, cleanser, lotion, toner, and powdered form. The gel is also prepared as oral dietary supplements and tonic drinks.

In modern pharmacology, aloe vera is widely used for cosmetic purposes as anti-aging treatments because it contains substances that stimulate the production of elastin and collagen – proteins that keep young skin supple, which diminish as age progresses. The skin replenishes every 21 to 28 days, and applying aloe vera provides the largest organ of the body its much-needed material to stay healthy as well as retard the aging process.

When used as a cleanser, the aloe gel properties aid in the removal of dead skin cells to reveal new, healthy skin. It also contains whitening properties that help even skin tone by reducing skin pigmentation such as acne scars.

Aloe vera is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals the body needs everyday. Some of the essential vitamins found in the gel include Vitamin A, C, E, folic acid, niacin, and a host of the B vitamins. Its mineral content includes calcium, iron, sodium, potassium, magnesium, chromium, copper, manganese, and zinc.

The best natural skin care understands the skin's natural composition and its needs. Thus, be sure to scrutinize the labels of skin care products from aloe vera to get the most benefits from the gel.